Ricoh Completes First All Solar Powered Billboard Located In Times Square

By Daelyn Fortney | June 2, 2010

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Ricoh Americas Corporation, a leading provider of document services technology, is using a new billboard in Times Square to send a message—a message which conveys the company’s commitment to sustainable management.

Ricoh has unveiled the first 100% solar powered electronic billboard located in Times Square. Dubbed the Ricoh Eco Board, the billboard is 47 feet high and 126 feet long and will be powered completely by 62 solar panels and 24 thin film PV solar modules. Sixteen LED floodlights will be used to illuminate the sign.

“When Ricoh decided to advertise in Times Square, we wanted to do so in an environmentally-responsible way that would have minimal negative impact on the environment. Our hope was that the Eco Board would become a powerful symbol of Ricoh’s commitment to green practices and would challenge others to become more active,” said Jason Dizzine, Director, Corporate Communications, Ricoh Americas Corporation. “Most billboards deliver a message, but this billboard is itself the message. For Ricoh, if the sign goes dark, that is ok. What is more important is that Ricoh is sharing in the bettering of our planet for everyone.”

Ricoh is committed to relying solely on the sun to power the billboard, so much so, the company will allow the Eco Board to go dark in times when sunlight is lacking.

The billboard, located at the corner of 7th Avenue and 42 Street in Times Square will be recognized during a completion ceremony on June 8.

Over the past six years Ricoh has been named as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.